26 September 2002

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR WELL-LOVED COOK

AFTER 30 years of cooking up a storm in school kitchens across South Tyneside, chef Brenda Clough has hung up her apron for the last time.

Having spent the past 12 years slicing, chopping, mixing and serving for the pupils at Boldon School, the 59-year-old from Cleadon has had her fill of life in the kitchen.
But in her wake she leaves behind a legacy of budding cooks who have come to cherish her words of wisdom and respect her professional outlook.
Having worked at schools including Whitburn and Westoe, Mrs Clough has seen her fair share of changes in lunch-time menus over the years.
She said: "When I started out 30 years ago there was no healthy eating policy or different menus to choose from - it was mutton and cabbage.
"I have enjoyed my time working in the kitchens and it has been a real pleasure to work as a trainee assessor with all the young staff."
But Mrs Clough won't be escaping young people all together. With four children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter, she will have her hands full.
She added: "Out of all the kitchen jobs, I always seemed to enjoy working on the sweet trolley the most.
"There was always a wide selection to pick from, including some delicious cream cakes."
Colin Whitfield, headteacher at the school, presented Mrs Clough with her leaving bouquet of flowers in front of work colleagues and friends.
Cook Joan Duff said: "Brenda was great at her job, she had patience, understanding and a good sense of humour.
"The kids really loved her and we will all miss her from the kitchens."
Mrs Clough and her husband are planning a holiday in Portugal later this year to celebrate her retirement.